Rugby Union - Six Nations Championship - Italy v Scotland - Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy - March 9, 2024 Italy's Sebastian Negri and Danilo Fischetti celebrate with a trophy after the match REUTERS/Remo Casilli
(Reuters) - Italy celebrated a rare Six Nations success in Rome with a 31-29 win over Scotland on Saturday but unlike previous false dawns, this could be the beginning of something special.
Fans at Stadio Olimpico had not witnessed an Italy win since 2013, and the Italian anthem was sung as passionately as ever on Saturday by the visibly emotional players and an expectant sold-out stadium.
"Dov'e la Vittoria?" is a line from the anthem, asking "Where is Victoria?", the Roman goddess who represented the ideals of success. But "vittoria" also translates as "victory", and "where is the victory?" is a question on Italian minds of late.
Two weeks ago Italy were left frustrated when they let victory over France slip from their grasp, with the contest ending in a draw after Paolo Garbisi missed a penalty.
On Saturday when Italy were awarded a penalty against Scotland, there was almost a feeling of deja vu as Garbisi stepped up and the ball again slipped from the tee -- as was the case against France.
But this time the flyhalf slotted it over and jogged away with a wry smile.
"At least today the stadium was open, because dropping it in a closed stadium was really a world record," Italy coach Gonzalo Quesada joked at a press conference.
"Paolo is a true leader, his smile after the transformation, that seemed to be a replica of the one in Lille, is emblematic of the strength of his character."
Where once, early leads were thrown away late on, this time Italy came from behind to win.
A penalty would have allowed Scotland to steal the win, and they piled on late pressure with phase after phase but Italy held out, as did their discipline.
"From the field those phases seemed more, certainly to have defended so long without committing a foul is something incredible, which should make us particularly proud of the work done," captain Michele Lamaro said.
For once, there were tears of joy and not frustration at the final whistle.
"Seeing the tears of the players and staff was something very profound, we have to do even more to consolidate achievements like this," Quesada said.
Quesada has been in charge for just four games, and despite the impressive start he is keen to play down his input.
"The biggest credit goes to the guys, and to all the staff. We work a lot, I've spent weeks convincing players of their potential, I haven't transformed anything," he said.
This is already a successful first campaign for Quesada, and with Wales still to come, they will not rest on their laurels.
"Tonight we celebrate for sure but it's always what you do tomorrow that determines the consistency of a team, and our tomorrow now is the road to Cardiff," Lamaro said.
A line from the anthem translates as "Long live Italy, she has awoken from slumber", and the future looks bright for Italian rugby.
(Reporting by Trevor Stynes, editing by Pritha Sarkar)
